Water Quality in Wichita Falls, TX: 144 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Wichita Falls's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Wichita Falls, TX has 144 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality Map: Wichita Falls, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Wichita Falls
Water quality varies across Wichita Falls's 8 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76302 | C | 62 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76308 | C | 62 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76301 | C | 67 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76306 | C | 67 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76309 | C | 67 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76310 | C | 67 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76305 | B | 72 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
| 76307 | B | 77 | 18 | 15 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Wichita Falls.
Water Quality Overview
Wichita Falls, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Wichita Falls have accumulated 144 EPA violations, including 120 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 8 ZIP codes serving approximately 110,185 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Wichita Falls's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Wichita Falls water systems is 0.0025 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Wichita Falls has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 110,185 people across 8 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 80 enforcement actions against water systems serving Wichita Falls. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Wichita Falls
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Wichita Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Wichita Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 96 | 8 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 8 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 8 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 8 | 8 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 8 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 8 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Wichita Falls:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40 | 40 |
| 2022 | 32 | 32 |
| 2023 | 32 | 32 |
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
| 2025 | 8 | 8 |
Violations have decreased from 40 in 2021 to 8 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Wichita Falls. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-08-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-02-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-08-29.
Wichita Falls vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Wichita Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls | C | 144 | 5 | 110,185 |
| Bryan | A | 35 | 5 | 108,189 |
| Flint | C | 0 | 1 | 107,000 |
| Bastrop | B | 16 | 5 | 106,885 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Wichita Falls
Water quality varies across Wichita Falls's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76302 | 62 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76308 | 62 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76301 | 67 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76306 | 67 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76309 | 67 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76310 | 67 | C | 18 | 15 |
| 76305 | 72 | B | 18 | 15 |
| 76307 | 77 | B | 18 | 15 |
Common Questions About Wichita Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Wichita Falls, Texas:
Is Wichita Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Wichita Falls's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Wichita Falls tap water? Wichita Falls's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 120 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Wichita Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Wichita Falls vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Wichita Falls compares to the broader Texas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Wichita Falls.
ZIP Codes in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls spans 8 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 76301. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.